Getting Used to Eating with Your New Braces
Posted on: 24 April 2018
Your new set of metal braces will take a bit of getting used to. This process could rather accurately (although lamely) be described as teething problems. Perhaps the most significant part of becoming comfortable with your braces is when you eat with them. Forearmed is forewarned, so it's time to arm yourself with the facts that you will need to make the process of getting used to your braces as smooth as possible.
Immediate Sensitivity
Consider the numerous components of the dental braces. It's little wonder that your mouth is going to feel slightly different. The individual brackets will have been adhered to each tooth and the archwire then tightened to an appropriate degree. Some minor discomfort is to be expected as you get used to this. Don't hesitate to contact your orthodontist if this discomfort intensifies or does not subside. It might be that the archwire is tighter than it needs to be.
Eating With Your New Braces
There can be a fair amount of trial and error when it comes to eating with your braces. Some hard foods might cause discomfort during the early stages of sensitivity, immediately after the braces have been fitted. There are numerous lists which note the types of food that can be problematic with braces. Some of these seem rather obvious; such as bread, which can seemingly revert to dough after chewing and lodging itself in your braces. Popcorn can be an issue, with the yellow seed kernel in each piece becoming very easily lodged in your braces (which has the potential to be uncomfortable). Broccoli is also a problem food in that you might inadvertently be left with obvious green mush on your teeth as it catches on your braces. Of course, most of these issues can be overcome with proper cleaning.
Cleaning Your New Braces After Eating
You should be able to sidestep food becoming lodged in your braces by getting into the habit of rinsing your mouth after eating. This is simple enough at home, but carrying a water bottle or travel-size bottle of mouthwash can be beneficial when out and about. You can simply excuse yourself after the meal, find a bathroom, rinse and spit. A pack of interdental brushes are going to be a worthwhile purchase. You might wish to carry one with you when dining out, just in case you need to dislodge a stubborn piece of food.
It's really just a matter of becoming used to your new braces and how they can be affected by food. Before long, you will have formed the necessary habits to keep them in the best condition (along with remembering to clean the broccoli smudges off your teeth).
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